A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 243 New Year’s Day
The weather is getting colder and colder.

Song Xuan, wrapped in a robe, went to Madam Gu's house next door.

Not long ago, he brought the mother and daughter to live next door.

Upon entering the room, Song Xuan felt a wave of heat.

Mrs. Gu is playing with her daughter.

Song Xuan took off his fur coat and immediately joined in teasing his daughter.

“I’ve only moved here a few days ago, and you’ve already come here so openly. Aren’t you afraid of what people will say?”

Qian Shishi watched as Song Xuan amused his daughter with a toy, laughing heartily: "Don't you know there's always gossip around a widow's door?"

Song Xuan, however, pulled Qian Shishi into his arms:

“我若是偷偷摸摸的过来，那才是落人闲话呢，整个宋城，谁不知道我宋十二岁急公好义之人？”

"A pretty widow like you, if someone sets their sights on you, who knows how she could be taken advantage of and wiped clean."

"Pah, you lecherous scoundrel."

Qian Shishi always felt that after leaving the Gu family, she became much more cheerful and optimistic.

"I haven't been feeling well these past few days."

"Of course I know."

Song Xuan reached out and took her hand:
"New Year's Day is just around the corner, so bring your daughter over for dinner then."

"I?"

Qian Shishi stood there stunned for a moment:

"You never intended to hide our relationship?"

She always felt that even though she had given birth to Song Xuan's child, it was still a mistress kept outside, so how could she enter his home?

"What's there to hide?"

Song Xuan then pulled Qian Shishi into his arms:
"You are of marriageable age and I am not married either, so it is perfectly reasonable for us to date!"

Qian Shishi was at a loss for what to do.

Anyway, she hasn't contacted her family since leaving the Gu family.

Because in her heart, she believed that Song Xuan would become the top scholar in the imperial examination.

How could those high-ranking officials in Tokyo let him go?
Even in Songcheng, there were many families who wanted to marry their daughters to him.

Qian Shishi had heard all these kinds of things before.

"Aren't you really afraid of any repercussions?"

"If I, Song Shier, were to be influenced by a woman in my life, that would truly be a laughing stock. Besides, you are merely a beautiful woman, not a femme fatale."

"Humph."

Qian Shishi pinched Song Xuan's flesh hard, always spouting sweet words.

Then she leaned against Song Xuan's chest.

In short, being able to dine at the same table with Song Xuan on such a big day as New Year's Day made her very happy.

At this time, the Spring Festival is New Year's Day.

The first day of the first lunar month is called New Year's Day, commonly known as the New Year. It is the first of the year's festivals.

Song Xuan held Qian Shishi in his arms, looked at his daughter who was still laughing foolishly, and teased her a little.

After a long while, Qian Shishi finally spoke:

When are you going to Tokyo?

"Let's say it's the second day of the second lunar month."

Song Xuan thought for a moment: "Go there in advance to get used to the environment, so as to avoid any accidents due to acclimatization issues."

"Ah."

Qian Shishi nodded repeatedly, and then said, "Then shall we go to the market today?"

While ordinary people can't celebrate the Lunar New Year as extravagantly as royalty and officials, it's perfectly normal for families to go out shopping and buy New Year's goods together.

At this time, the streets are teeming with people, and there is a wide variety of goods available.

"That works too."

So Song Xuan dressed his daughter Sisi, put a tiger-head hat on her, and wrapped her up tightly.

Qian Shishi was carrying a change of clothes bag, which was full of diaper-like things that Song Xuan had made.

All three of them were wrapped up tightly.

Song Xuan held his daughter in his arms, with Qian Shishi beside him.

Behind him followed Wang Gui and his maid, along with the bored Wang Bao and Xu Xianchun.

王保对于宋煊早就服气了，打的真的打不过。

Fortunately, Wang Bao was not without money.

Being Song Xuan's bodyguard not only provided him with food and lodging, but also paid him a considerable sum.

Because Wang Bao himself had a very large appetite.

It's practically a god-like job.

Wang Bao felt he could die in Song Xuan's place, and besides, in this bustling Song City, who would dare to plot against Shierlang?

So he was living a pretty glamorous life as a bodyguard.

As for Song Xuan taking the pretty widow out, I'll give anyone who dares to gossip a good beating.

However, Song Xuan stopped him.

Anyway, people can say whatever they want, there's no need to cause conflict over this.

他又不是西门大官人，主动弄死武大郎的，抢了人家媳妇的。

Gu Ziming wanted to avenge Dou Chou by killing Song Xuan, but Song Xuan tricked them into fighting amongst themselves.

Gu Ziming was stabbed and nearly killed. Then, due to an investigation by the imperial court, he went to Tokyo for trial and lost the other half of his life.

The responsibility for today's consequences does not lie entirely with Song Xuan.

Xu Xianchun was extremely envious of Song Xuan; so this was the real "Zhou Chu"!

Be respected, not feared, by everyone.

He had completely gone astray in his studies.

Unfortunately, his martial arts skills were rather mediocre.

Although Qian Shishi did not rely on Song Xuan, it is not difficult for a keen observer to see that the distance between them had long since crossed the line of ordinary friends.

但是宋煊虽然抱个孩子如此引人注目，也没有听说过他成亲的事，反倒是对于他如此照顾邻居之事，极为佩服。

After all, the story of Madam Gu being divorced by her husband's family because she gave birth to a daughter was still widely circulated.

The family business has been taken over by their nephew.

It's perfectly normal for Song Xuan to step in and help now.

It would have been impossible without Song Xuan's help.

Qian Shishi was very happy and excitedly went over to watch the acrobatic performance on the side.

For such a long time, she has been taking care of her daughter and has not yet gone out for a proper stroll.

"it is good."

Song Xuan stood to the side, carrying the package and supporting his daughter.

At Song Xuan's signal, Wang Gui immediately took out money to tip him.

Upon seeing that a wealthy patron had arrived, the acrobat quickly performed a lion dance and came to him, focusing on entertaining the child.

Finally, he said auspicious words, such as "husband and wife" and "young lady," which are some of the lucky words for the New Year.

Qian Shishi covered her mouth and laughed, watching Song Xuan's reaction.

"reward."

After Song Xuan finished speaking, Wang Gui happily handed him the money.

Previously, he didn't know why Song Xuan took such good care of Madam Gu, and thought it was to repay Madam Gu for informing his twelfth brother.

After Wang Gui carefully examined the child's face...

He had a feeling that this child really resembled his twelfth brother!
That pretty girl will surely grow up to be a beautiful young lady.

In this way, Wang Gui understood completely.

But he didn't say.

In short, no one knows this secret.

但是王珪觉得十二哥是有些猖狂的，就如此带着人出来逛街，一点都不避讳。

This has only made things more confusing for many people.

Could it be that Song Cheng's Timely Rain Twelve Lang has a thing for "widows"?
Qian Shishi wanted to take Song Xuan's arm, but subconsciously let go and walked forward with a smile.

There are even more exciting places ahead.

Yu Linglong, the top courtesan of Hongtaifang, was also wrapped up tightly when she saw Song Xuan walking towards her.

After all, given Song Xuan's height, he was quite easy to spot in a crowd.

Yu Linglong planned to greet Song Xuan, since Ding's mother was spreading rumors about her and Song Twelve as Song Xuan's fame continued to grow.

This was done to raise Yu Linglong's value.

However, ever since Song Xuan became famous throughout the three capitals, neither he nor his classmates have ever stepped into the gates of Hongtai Fang again.

This made Ding's mother very worried.

But when he thought about how the biggest advantage of others had disappeared due to the reform of the imperial examination, Shierlang focused on preparing for the exam and couldn't say anything.

Now, Yu Linglong saw that Song Xuan was holding a child in front of his chest. Although the woman from before was wrapped up tightly, the protruding parts made her subconsciously look down at her own flat chest.

Yu Linglong didn't think that the woman was Song Xuan's sister. The two of them looked like a newlywed couple taking their child out for a stroll.

However, Yu Linglong was certain that Song Xuan had not gotten married, nor had there been any rumors that he was keeping a mistress in secret.

It's important to know that brothels are also hubs for all sorts of news and gossip.

Song Twelve was known for his integrity and dedication to the imperial examinations.

Everyone agrees.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be such an inspiring story circulating among the people, about someone who went from failing the exam to becoming the top scholar.

Although Yu Linglong was well protected in the brothel, she was still more sensitive to matters of love and sex than the average person due to her extensive exposure to such things.

She sensed that the relationship between Song Xuan and that woman was definitely not shallow!

Even if she figured it out, Yu Linglong couldn't ask Song Xuan about it.

Although the rumors of their "romantic affair" spread like wildfire throughout Songcheng, the two were only familiar with each other through these rumors.

In reality, Yu Linglong and Song Xuan were not familiar with each other.

There was only one private conversation between the two of them.

What others saw as a hard-won opportunity, Song Xuan himself didn't care about at all.

Yu Linglong has always held a grudge about this.

"Young lady."

The maidservant standing nearby also noticed that Song Xuan was holding a child:

"I haven't heard that he got married!"

Although only courtesans in the Song Dynasty were called "Miss," they still addressed each other as "Little Lady" among themselves.

"Stop talking." Yu Linglong quickly grabbed the maid's hand: "Let's just follow and watch."

"it is good."

Yu Linglong was very curious; she didn't think Song Xuan would really keep a mistress.

But the woman's appearance and demeanor resembled those of Song Xuan's mistress.

Yu Linglong was simply very curious about what kind of woman Song Twelve liked.
Because she doesn't believe that the information she's been brainwashed with for so many years is wrong.

The scholar-official class of the Song Dynasty had a fondness for women named Lei Xiao.

宋十二身边的女子雷太大了，她一定无法讨得宋十二的欢心。

Yu Linglong was absolutely certain of this!
Song Xuan didn't see Yu Linglong, who was wrapped up tightly; she always covered her face whenever she came out anyway.

The two sides had not had any in-depth communication, and Song Xuan did not take this top courtesan seriously at all.

Especially in the dead of winter, everyone is bundled up in thick layers and has no time to pay attention to shorter passersby.

Song Xuan, carrying his daughter, wandered through the crowd, gesturing for Qian Shishi to grab his arm.

Despite Wang Bao's protection to prevent people from getting too close, there were simply too many people at this critical juncture.

It's perfectly normal to get your heel stepped on.

Yu Linglong noticed that Song Xuan had indeed freed one hand to protect the woman with large breasts, and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

They were indeed having an affair!
Even have children!

"Twelfth brother."

Lei Xiaoniangzi waved her arm and took the initiative to greet them.

"You guys are out shopping too?"

Lei Qi followed closely behind his sister and stepped forward to pay his respects.

总共是他妹妹想要出来逛逛。

When Lei Xiaoniangzi saw Song Xuan holding the child and then reaching out to protect "Madam Gu", the smile on her face immediately disappeared.

After all, the two of them were clearly getting quite close.

"Twelfth Brother?"

Lei Xiaoniangzi pointed to the child in Song Xuan's arms: "What is this?"

"Sister Qian's child."

Song Xuan didn't say anything like "yes, we have a child."

Qian Shishi glanced at Lei Xiaoniangzi, and she seemed to understand somewhat. She turned to Song Xuan and asked:
"And who is this lovely young lady?"

"I have known my twelfth brother since childhood."

Before Song Xuan could answer, Lady Lei seemed to be asserting her dominance:
"My name is Lei Shuang."

“妾身钱诗诗。”

Qian Shishi couldn't help but want to laugh as she listened to Lei Shuang's self-introduction.

She knew that Song Twelve was popular with many women and fantasized about marrying him in the future.

I never expected that we would run into each other on our first outing together today.

Qian Shishi was certain that Song Xuan would never like Lei Xiaoniangzi's type.

Therefore, Qian Shishi didn't feel any sense of crisis. Besides, I've already had my child, and I started much earlier than you guys!

Song Xuan looked at Lei Shuang and immediately said:

"Young Lady Lei, where did you come from?"

"Is there anything else fun to do over there?"

"There's nothing fun about it, it's just a gambling game and some opera performances."

Lei Xiaoniangzi was a little sullen, as she hadn't seen Song Xuan for a long time since he returned.

He didn't come to visit, and I didn't want to disturb him while he was studying. After all, the whole of Songcheng knew about the reform of the imperial examination system.

Song Xuan, the top scholar from Yingtian Prefecture, lost his greatest advantage in an instant.

This is common knowledge!
So Song Xuan kept his studies to himself, but Lei Shuang didn't know when this woman with the child had come to Twelfth Brother's side.

And judging from their appearance, they seem to have a pretty good relationship.

"Sister Qian, shall we go take a look?"

"Okay."

Qian Shishi looked at Song Xuan with a smile in her eyes.

"Let's go together."

Seeing her younger sister pout, Lei Qi quickly spoke up.

Although he wasn't a great student, he inherited his father's talent for reading people and situations.

"also."

Song Xuan did not refuse.

Anyway, it's more lively to walk around with a large group.

At this moment, Song Xuan was holding a child in his arms, with Lei Shuang standing on his left, looking bloated, and Qian Shishi smiling brightly on his right.

Not far behind them was Yu Linglong, the top courtesan of Hongtai Fang.

Yu Linglong heard from the maid that she recognized the chubby man who had arrived; he was the third son of Master Lei.

That girl must be Master Lei's only daughter.

In the entire Song City, who doesn't know that Master Lei has latched onto Song Xuan's coattails?

Apart from the twelve bookstores, only Lei Yuanwai's properties sold "lottery tickets".

Song Xuan still bought a small drum and spun it around to amuse the child, but he didn't get too close to it so as not to hurt the child's eardrums.

Seeing how much Song Xuan doted on the child, Lei Shuang fell into deep thought.

难不成是自己误会十二哥了，他只是喜欢孩子。

Because of the saying "love me, love my dog," that's why Twelfth Brother treats Qian Shishi so well.
After all, Brother Twelve has to spend money every year to take care of the elderly and homeless children.

Before the Lunar New Year, they would personally deliver rice, meat, firewood, and other necessities.

Her father went along too.

When Lei Shuang's father came back, he was still saying at home that those people were really living a miserable life.

Fortunately, Twelve Lang stepped in.

Otherwise, most of them wouldn't have survived this winter.

Lei Yuanwai used to think Song Xuan was really stupid for squandering the money he had worked so hard to earn.

Give it back to the poor.

But after following Song Xuan in this matter, Lei Yuanwai had to admit:

The experience of spending money on this kind of thing is completely different from spending a fortune in a brothel.

雷霜如此做着心理建设。

But then they discovered that Sister Qian's body was practically pressed against Twelfth Brother.

Even if you're just teasing a child, you don't need to be this close, do you?

This woman who has given birth doesn't know how to maintain a proper distance.

雷霜内心腹诽着，可她又不敢效仿。

Wang Gui, meanwhile, was causing trouble everywhere, even though the security in Songcheng was already quite good under Song Xuan's management.

However, during the Lunar New Year, some people might be itching to return to their old ways and make some quick money.

In any case, it's obvious to everyone that this small group of them are easy targets.

可越是这样，王珪就觉得不能让不长眼的人靠近。

To avoid causing unhappiness during the Lunar New Year.

"Twelve Lang."

Judge Zhang Kang, whom we haven't seen for a long time, was also out shopping with his wife and children.

"Judge Zhang."

Song Xuan held his daughter in his arms, but did not bow.

At this time, Zhang Kang and his wife each held one of their sons, and there was also a newborn son at home watching over them.

Zhang Kang glanced at the child in Song Xuan's arms, then at the wife of his former colleague, and at another young woman beside him.

For a moment, I didn't know what to say.

Because Zhang Kang didn't think Song Xuan was the type to philander.

Moreover, this child cannot have appeared out of thin air.

"Out for a trip?"

"I can't concentrate on reading all the time; I just come out to have some fun."

While the entire Songcheng thought Song Xuan would have difficulty maintaining his top ranking in the provincial examination, Zhang Kang genuinely wanted to tutor Song Xuan.

He certainly understood the enormous advantage Song Xuan had gained in reforming the imperial examination system.

However, Song Twelve did not tell anyone, and Zhang Kang would not spread the word for him.

Keeping a low profile like this is a good thing.

Song Xuan quickly asked Sister Qian to give some New Year's money to Magistrate Zhang's two sons.

This is the first time we've met his wife and children, even though we've known each other for so long.

Zhang Kang did not refuse, but his wife took the opportunity to slip a copper coin into Song Xuan's arms as a New Year's gift.

In this kind of thing, everyone would exchange lucky money; neither Song Xuan nor Zhang Kang gave any gold leaves.

The two talked for a while longer before being ushered away by the crowd.

Because of the sheer number of people, you simply can't chat idly here.

After several people had passed by, Zhang Kang's wife spoke up:

"I've never heard you mention that Song Twelve got married. How come his child is already so big?"

"What child?"

Zhang Kang, holding his son's hand, said, "You've forgotten, that woman is the wife of Prefect Gu."

"Who?"

"Gu Zimo".

Zhang Kang also found it strange, after all, he knew that Gu Ziming wanted to kill Song Xuan.

Unexpectedly, Song Xuan was so magnanimous in treating them, a widow and her child.

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang immediately remembered, her eyes filled with astonishment. She then whispered:
"I think the two of them have a very close relationship."

Zhang Kang reached out and grabbed his wife's hand, signaling her to stop talking about such things.

In any case, Zhang Kang did not believe that Song Xuan would plot so deeply.

Perhaps there is something unknown to others.

Their brief conversation, however, reached Yu Linglong's ears.

Yu Linglong was completely stunned.

For a moment, she forgot that she was supposed to continue following Song Xuan and the others to watch the excitement.

Because that woman was the wife of Song Xuan's "enemy".

The fact that Song Xuan was now holding his enemy's child and embracing his enemy's wife was truly too much of a shock to Yu Linglong's mind.

Even though she enjoyed reading storybooks, she had never read anything like this before.

What exactly was Song Twelve thinking?

"Young lady, shall we continue following?"

"not going."

Yu Linglong couldn't figure it out, so she decided to go back and ask Aunt Ding.

She has a wealth of life experience; perhaps she knows the key to it.

Song Xuan led the group on a tour, and he naturally noticed that Lei Shuang's mood was a bit off, but he only tried to cheer her up by playing with the children.

至于什么你们都是我的翅膀这种话，宋煊也没想着说出口，他对于雷小真的兴趣不大。

Once home, Qian Shishi immediately took off her fur coat and lay down on the bed, saying, "I'm exhausted today."

Soak your feet in hot water.

Song Xuan gently placed the sleeping child on the bed, slowly undressed her, and changed her into clean little clothes.

Qian Shishi couldn't help but smile as she looked at Song Xuan's cautious demeanor.

No matter how unwilling Lei Xiaoniangzi was, she had no chance left.

Even the renowned scholar Song Twelve, famous throughout the three capitals, had to obediently change his daughter's diapers.

Snapped.

Firecrackers soared into the sky.

Song Xuan still did not choose to go back to his hometown for the Spring Festival, and he was not very comfortable.

The bookstore has long since closed down.

Now the family has grown quite a bit more.

A large, custom-made round table.

However, today Song Xuan was accompanied by a woman holding a child.

Those present were all his confidants, and they naturally understood what was going on.

Everyone tacitly offered a toast, but no one called her "Madam".

After all, Song Xuan didn't make any announcements.

But Qian Shishi was extremely happy about this alone.

Another year has passed.

Song Xuan put down his wine glass: "Starting next year, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will embark on my official career."

Everyone present, especially Tao Hong and his small team, was quite excited.

Song Xuan was only nineteen years old after the New Year.

In the Song Dynasty, it was extremely rare for someone to pass the imperial examination and become an official at the age of nineteen.

Han Qi is the same age as Song Xuan, and even born younger than Song Xuan.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Han Qi is highly likely to rank second in the exam at a young age.

"As for the old town that we're leaving behind, which is Songcheng, we should naturally have Xiao Zhihong in charge. We can't easily lose the territory we've worked so hard to build. A cunning rabbit has three burrows, which is also a way out."

Everyone accepted Song Xuan's words; otherwise, they would always bring him along whenever they met with other local bullies in Songcheng.

"As for those who want to come with me to take up their posts, we'll see where I can gain experience as an official first, but ultimately I'll probably return to Tokyo to take up my post."

That's what Song Xuan thought.

This is because most Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) would be assigned to local government positions, giving them the opportunity to gain experience at the grassroots level.

If you do a good job, I'll promote you to the central government to build up your seniority.

"Tao Hong will still need to establish himself in Tokyo by then."

Song Xuan's words brought a smile to Tao Hong's face.

No matter what, everyone's goal is to fight their way back to Tokyo.

The young man who was looked down upon in Tokyo back then is destined to experience a dramatic reversal of fortune.

"We will obey Twelfth Brother's orders."

Tao Hong and the others quickly raised their glasses to toast Song Xuan again.

Song Xuan glanced at his three bodyguards again: "You guys will also go to Tokyo to join the Imperial Guards and gain experience."

"But Twelfth Brother, weren't you going to the Northwest to make a name for yourself?"

"I will look for this job, but I don't know when I will be able to get it."

Song Xuan picked up a piece of food and said slowly:
"Especially since King Li Mingde of Western Xia is determined to negotiate peace with the Song Dynasty, I reckon that war will only break out after he dies and his son takes the throne."

“I don’t know when Li Mingde will die, so I’m going to the local areas to gain experience and seniority. You’re also going to gain seniority in the Imperial Guard and try to become a minor leader so that I can have the opportunity to lead you to the Northwest to make contributions.”

Wang Gui nodded and said nothing more.

"Twelfth Brother, I have a question."

Xu Xianchun, who chose not to go home for the Spring Festival, mustered up her courage and asked.

"talk."

Xu Xianchun simply shared what he had heard, worried that Song Xuan would suffer in the provincial examination.

Several people burst into laughter upon hearing Xu Xianchun's words.

At least they never worried that Song Twelve would fail in his studies, unless the examiners deliberately targeted him.

Song Xuan didn't try to be modest; he just told him to put his mind at ease and to practice more so he could get rid of the label that his martial arts skills were mediocre.

Hsu Hsien-chun indicated that she understood.

Because he was far from his hometown and without the care of his brother-in-law, who was an official, his own shortcomings were immediately exposed.

Xu Xianchun could even suffer losses in street fights.

The meal was extremely enjoyable. In short, every day was more hopeful than the last, so how could one not be happy?

Wait until things are settled.

Song Xuan led Qian Shishi and her daughter upstairs, and Tao Hong and the others reopened the door, only to close it again at midnight.

There were quite a few people strolling around the streets at this time.

Because while wealthy families might hire entertainers to perform at their homes, many people simply spent their time at home, and they didn't want to waste too many candles.

Anyway, there were a lot of lanterns on the street, and apart from being a bit cold, it was still quite a novel experience.

There are no opportunities to gamble like this on ordinary days.

"Twelve Lang."

Madam Gu looked at her daughter, who had been coaxed to sleep, and hugged Song Xuan from behind, who was looking at the tourists through a slightly open window.

"what happened?"

"Are we going back tonight, mother and daughter?"

"Go back to your cold room?"

Song Xuan held Qian Shishi's hand: "No one will come to pay New Year's visits tomorrow. Just get a good night's sleep here with me. Why worry about anything else?"

Upon hearing this, Qian Shishi wrapped her arms around Song Xuan even tighter.

boom.

There was another explosion.

然后便是各种爆竹响了起来。

The fifth year of the Tiansheng era has finally arrived.

(End of this chapter)